In continuation of our ongoing food adventures this holy month of Ramadan 2015 is another awesome dining experience at this beautiful food haven located right at the center of the bustling old financial district of Deira - LIWAN RESTAURANT DUBAI! I've been in this restaurant once during the BBC Good Food Middle East Bloggers Masterclass (link for my blog post of said event here) but was yet to experience how it was to properly enjoy and savor their culinary prowess. Fortunately, it's the time of year again when sunsets are equated to the delightful evening feasts of Iftars and we were invited over to sample what Liwan Restaurant Dubai had to offer.
Conveniently located in the towering Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana in Deira, Liwan Restaurant Dubai is quite easily accessible to anyone which is undeniably a plus point especially when you're all famished after a day-long fast!
We arrived at Liwan Restaurant Dubai minutes before sunset. Never forgetting the roots of the Bedouins clans who eventually became the people of the UAE, a traditional tent was set up right at the entrance of the restaurant, reminding guests how closely intertwined Iftar is to the history of the populace in the region.
And who would forget the ever adorable camels??
Liwan Restaurant Dubai's interior has always been one its best qualities - airy, spacious and adequately lit, it is versatile enough to accommodate guests may it be friends who just want to chat their way through the night or families who desire some quality time with their loved ones.
We were seated in one of the best spots in Liwan Restaurant Dubai right next to the musicians who played traditional Arabic Music - talk about a complete Iftar experience!
Liwan Restaurant Dubai's Iftar Buffet was nothing short of lavish! Not forgetting that the restaurant is located right smack at the core of definitely one of the most nationality-diverse area per square kilometer in the world, Liwan Restaurant Dubai made sure that it could cater to the palates of anyone who wished to satisfy their cravings!
The choices for appetizers alone was extensive ranging from some fresh fruits...
To a wide selection of salads...
and dressed appetizers...
To Arabic/Levantine Mezes such as Hummus, Muhamara (a hot pepper dip originating from Syria) and Shanklish (a levantine cheese typically made of sheep's milk) ...
Some pickled and bite-sized munchies anyone?
Even it's own Maki & Sushi Bar if ever you're in the mood for some Japanese-lovin'
All of these appetizers in Liwan Restaurant Dubai are perfectly represented in my plate which includes falafels (deep fried balls of ground chickpeas and fava beans), kani salad (Japanes crab/fish sticks), Quinoa Salad (made from grain crops originating from South America) and the must try Thai Beef Salad ha-ha! I simply can't resist having a little bit or much of each that is!
Right after finishing of the appetizers which could easily be the main course by the amount I've already indulged in, I was ready to try out Liwan Restaurant Dubai's mains starting from the Lamb Stew, Pasta with Eggplant and Tomato Sauce, Chicken Musakhan (a Jordanian dish composed of roasted chicken baked with onions, sumac, allspice, saffron, and fried pine nuts served over taboon bread), Kibeh Bel Laban (dish made of bulgur/cracked wheat, minced onions and finely ground meat with strained milk sauce) to mention some!
And who could pass up the Indian Bazaar serving Mutton Biryani, Aloo Gobi and the oh so yummy Roasted Lamb?!
And who could resist the Spiced Rice and Lamb perfection that is the Ouzi??!!!!
Once again, my thoughts were on how to burn everything I was about to binge on that night at the gym the next day! But it was just a split second of hesitation as the call of palate was stronger and cannot be ignored - a decision perfectly exemplified in the mouthwatering goodness that found their way into my plate! Yum!
And about the drinks, one of the best things I loved in our Iftar at Liwan Restaurant Dubai are the colorful array of yogurt drinks they had - my favorite were the Blueberry and the Strawberry Yogurts!
Done with the mains and not stuffed enough, the search for sugar-overdose was on! And Liwan Restaurant Dubai desserts did not disappoint! There were different flavors of Turkish delights...
And tons of other sweet treats such as dates, cakes, and other Arabic/Middle Eastern delicacies!
And the best complement to these sweets came just right in time before I dunked my fork in them - Maghrebi Mint Tea, more famously known as Moroccan Mint Tea!
Dramatically served by this guy dressed in traditional attire, Maghrebi Mint Tea is usually served thrice giving each of the three glasses a unique flavor due to the time that the tea steeps in the pot perfectly expressed in the proverb, " the first glass is as gentle as life,the second glass is as strong as love, the third glass is as bitter as death. "
Capping off the night is the daily Iftar raffle held by Liwan Restaurant Dubai giving away weekend stays, meal vouchers for 2 and the grand prize of 2 airline tickets with Turkish Airlines to lucky guests!
Also, Liwan Restaurant Dubai has its very own Ramadan Photo Booth which Jill and I had fun with fellow bloggers Gelo Santos (www.docgelo.com), Lady (www.ladyandsweetescapes.com) & her hubby Ed, Kenneth (www.kennethsurat.com), Sheila (www.abandme.com), Ion (www.boydubai.com) and Candice (www.theisaacsjournal.com). Unfortunately, Jane of www.janesarabia.com has already left when we took this shot.
Liwan Restaurant Dubai is a must try for anyone looking for an awesome Iftar night in the emirate! With its sumptuous dishes and great ambiance, Liwan Restaurant Dubai is one of the places to be to share such special moments with friends, family and loved ones!
*Treat yourself at Liwan Restaurant Dubai's Iftar for only 149 AED per person or have a traditional bubbly at the Liwan Terrace while having Suhour for only 95 AED per person. For more information or reservations you can call +971 (0)4 293 3000 or email fb.alghurair@rotana.com
*Have your Iftar at Liwan Restaurant Dubaifor only AED 79 (Originally priced at AED 149). All you need to do is to simply:
1) 'Like' them on Facebook.
2) Fill up the online request form.
3) Download the coupon.
4) Call 04-2933270 & make a reservation
*Each photo taken from the Ramadan Photo Booth is automatically entered in Liwan Restaurant Dubai's Ramadan Instagram Photo of the Week Contest where diners/guest can win prizes from ECity Electronics)!
*Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana's Ramadan Bring to Life Photo Competition showcasing masterpieces from the Ten of the Best Photographers in Dubai are just outside Liwan Restaurant Dubai at the hotel lobby. Guests are encouraged to vote by taking selfies with their favorite photo in the exhibition and sharing them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram by which they can also win awesome prizes!
*Special thanks to Ferry Trinidad, E-Commerce Manager of Al Ghurair Rayhaan by Rotana for the invite!